The dog that I had loved

Is gone to a place

I know not where

- – -

She was brown

And a black daschund

Named Krystal

- – -

My wife and I had her put

To sleep

Because she was suffering much

And we couldn’t stand it any more

- – -

It was a painful experience

That made us shed a tear

And wonder 

Where is our dear Krystal

- – -

Is she in some sort

Of doggie heaven?

Will we see her again?

Or was she

Just pleasant memories?

- – -

We often recall

The times that she would

Race down the street

When someone leaves

One of the backyard gates open

- – -

We would run after her

Or if we didn’t realize

She was gone

A neighbor from across the street

Would show up with her

At our front door

- – -

I recall bringing her

To a dog’s park

Instead of playing with other dogs

Krystal was content

With rolling around in a muddy pool

Leaving us to figure out

How to get her home in our car

Without making a mess

- – -

She loved eating

Was always at her feet at meals

Begging for a treat

We often spoil her

By throwing her a bone

Which she thoroughly enjoyed

- – -

So when Krystal could

No longer eat

And started to have accidents

At age 16

We knew that the end

Was in sight

- – -

Her diagnosis of liver cancer

Caught us by surprise

But she was in so much pain

And agony

That we could clearly see

That this was her end

- – -

Since then our home

Has been quiet

There’s no Krystal

And every now and again

I keep thinking she’s still alive

And is with us

- – -

I’ve this feeling

That she’ll show up again

But I’ve to remember

She’s gone for good

And will never return

- – -

It hurts much

To even think

About having another dog

- – -